5 Gorgeous Homes

By Author: Editorial Staff

The beaches are lovely, the everglades are majestic and the wildlife is amazing—but you must admit: Some of the most breathtaking visions along the Gulfshore are manmade. We love to welcome visitors to our paradise by taking them on a tour of the unbelievably beautiful homes that line our streets. Here, we have picked a handful of our favorites (and a few nominated by area architects and realtors)—based on curb appeal alone, and unencumbered by pesky security gates or privacy-enhancing hedges. You can get an eyeful right from the comfort of your car as you join us on this envy-inducing, awe-inspiring exploration of gorgeous homes.1440 Caxambas Court, Marco IslandYear built: 2004Details: 14,000 square feet, eight bedrooms, eight bathsDeveloper: Everett Van HoesenWhy we chose it:We love a house with a name—and Villa Venezia is a moniker that’s been thrown about quite a bit since its creation on Marco Island’s “Millionaires’ Row.” It is a multiple building industry award winner, has hosted charitable fundraisers and turned more than a few heads. It created the most buzz in 2007 by scoring Marco’s record highest sales price at $9 million. But we’ll just daydream about strolling through the lush grounds and gazing out onto Roberts Bay from a well-upholstered window seat.1141 Paper Fig Court, SanibelYear built:1989Details:6,533 square feet, three bedrooms, three bathsWhy we chose it: Keeping in mind that this is a driving tour, many of the homes on Sanibel and Captiva are well hidden away behind acres of natural foliage, securing the owners’ privacy. But this darling home on a large corner lot elicited such an “ahhh!” response from us that we just had to include it. Its well-manicured landscaping, sassy blue roof and Key West flavor have us picturing long, hot summer nights of drinking iced tea on the front porch while the world drives by on Periwinkle Way.3830 Fort Charles Drive, NaplesYear built:1998Details:7,500 square feetArchitect:Richard MeierWhy we chose it: Just when you think you might drown in the sea of red-tiled roofs, you come across this modern masterpiece by the famed architect. From the street, you get a glimpse of the exceptionally groomed lawn, a circular building (which is actually a two-car garage) and the front of the home, which is lined with 2-by-3-foot limestone slabs and no windows. If you want to see the view of the windowed walls and inverted roof that seems to open its arms to the sun, you’ll have to take a boat ride on the bay in Port Royal.3330 Rum Row, NaplesYear built: 1999Details: One-and-a-half lots, approximately 10,000 square feet combinedWhy we chose it:This sprawling French Colonial charmer stood out for its sunny yellow exterior paired with white and bright pink impatiens that line the length of the home’s façade. While driving the windy roads of Port Royal, we were overwhelmed by all of the Mediterranean manses and appreciated the breath of fresh air this delightful home offered.1141 Wales Drive, Fort MyersYear built: Building 1, 1926; building 2, 1944Details:10,507 square feet, six bedrooms, six bathsWhy we chose it:This amazing home in Fort Myers’ historic district is listed as “Early Floridian” in style, but we’re leaning more toward Spanish Colonial. Known by locals as the “pink castle” (no longer pink), it wraps around its corner lot, just a half a block from the Caloosahatchee River shore. The grounds include a huge playground, a tennis court, gazebo and pool. We cannot find a better place for early—or modern-day—Floridians to spend their days.